dress shopping

There is a month of the year in which the timing and designer selections are great for every bride-to-be and it’s the month of January. Yes, that’s right, January! Are you shocked? I know I was! To me, January has always been the month of New Years resolutions, tons of hot coffees and warm fuzzy socks. New clothes and especially a wedding dress has never been something I associated with the first month of the year. Yet, now that I know this, it totally makes sense and here is why.

New Collections

The start of the year is the perfect time for boutiques to restock their rails and put all the latest styles and trends on display!

BONUS: New arrivals = discontinued lines = sales = get them while they are still there!

Sample Sales!

Who doesn’t love a good sample sale?! What’s a sample sale you may ask? A sample sale is when bridal boutiques and designers sell the dresses brides try on in store. How great is that! All your favorite styles and all for discounted prices!

When you find a designer you absolutely adore, keep sample sales in mind! Many beloved and well-known designers tend to host two sample sales a year and the first one is usually in January (the second one is in the summer)! So put those Sample Sale dates in your calendar and set about a gazillion reminders!!

BONUS: Sample Sales can be chaotic and pretty overwhelming (check out the episode of friends: The one where Monica is looking for her wedding dress). I suggest doing some ‘normal shops’ with your besties before the big sample sale! This way, you will have the chance to try on different styles, silhouettes and materials and know exactly what you are looking for before you hit the chaos!

Just Engaged!

Ever wonder why you see sooo many more Facebook Engagement Announcements over the Holiday Season?! Well, over 100,000 proposals take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas! 100,000!!! How amazing is that!

With 100,000 newly engaged brides planning, researching and shopping for their dream wedding, it could only mean one thing… The wedding dress stores are busy with excited new brides! I mean, let’s be real, what better way to turn the cold month of January into a fun, exciting one!

Vintage and Second Hand Dresses

For the brides who are looking for a more vintage feel to their wedding dress, January is still the best month to shop! Why? Well, to put it simply, “NEW YEAR, NEW ME!”

January is one of the most popular times of years to clean out our closets, get rid of things we no longer wear and make room for our new, favorite outfits! This includes former brides and their wedding dresses! So get out your snow-boots ladies and let’s go shopping for your hidden treasure!

For all those brides out there who can’t wait until next January to buy their wedding dress, due to time constraints or maybe just because you are just bursting with giddiness, do not fret! There really is no bad month to go shopping for your wedding dress. No matter if you start in August or even March, you will find a wedding dress that looks amazing, makes you feel like a queen and will get your groom’s jaw dropping to the floor! Remember, you are beautiful in every way!

Bridesmaids, they are like sisters (or are sisters). Your bridesmaids mean the world to you. I mean, let’s be real, you asked them to be your bridesmaid for a reason! You want your girls to be as happy as possible but you cannot get Katherine Heigl from “27 Dresses” out of your head!

The idea of finding dresses and a color that works for everyone is a little overwhelming… “What if they can’t agree on a style? What if they don’t feel comfortable in their dress?! “First off, I just want to say, you are a sweetheart for being so concerned about your ladies! Secondly, don’t you fret! With the right attitude, time and communication all your bridesmaids will be excited to put on their dress!

1. Talk about the budget!

   I know, I know, talking about finances is never easy, but trust me on this one. Your bridesmaids will feel a lot better knowing that you are being mindful of how much time, effort and money they are investing in your wedding day. Being a bridesmaid is such an honor, and they are SO excited to be a part of your big day, but let’s face it, it can get expensive. So talk to your bridesmaids, remember they are like family. They will appreciate it more than you know!

2. Pinterest and Instagram are your best friends!

   I am a huge fan of research! Knowledge is power! Know what you are getting you and your bridesmaids into before you walk into the bridal shop! Make yourself an excellent source for your ladies. Have opinions, come up with ideas and offer advice as you and your girls are sifting through all the lace and chiffon!

3. Don’t forget about YOUR dress!

   This one seems like an easy one, but I just had to put this one out there. Sometimes, we can get caught up in the excitement of shopping with our girls and forget that your wedding dress is important and must be considered! So before your girls say yes to their dress, ask yourself this “does this compliment my wedding dress?”
   

4. Bridesmaid Dresses are not on Amazon Prime!

   I know, in our instantaneous world, we forget that sometimes, we are actually going to have to wait! Bridesmaid dress shopping should be done 7 – 8 months out! I know what you are thinking… you can’t be serious? Most dresses are actually made-to-order and have a shipment time of 12 -16 weeks. Think about all the necessary steps that have to be taken between finding the dresses and actually putting them on. You have to make sure you have the correct measurements, correct order, have the dress actually made, pick it up (or wait for it to be delivered), make alterations and then finally have it all ready and perfect for the big day!

5. SALES

   Yes you read that correctly! Bridesmaid dresses do go on sale and more often than you think! There are always sales on the major annual shopping days like Black Friday, Memorial day and Labor Day… but there are also sales through out the year. Get on email lists, check websites every so often and keep your eyes pealed for the Magic word “SALE.” Your bridesmaids will be SO appreciative!

Ok, so now that you have some tips, GO have a great time! Sip the bubbly, get lost in all the amazing texture! Shopping with your best friends is supposed to be fun!  Let the stress melt away and enjoy this bonding experience with your girls!